Fundraiser for Jensen Mintz and family. Benefit dinner May 15 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Painttown Community Bldg., 59 Magnolia Ln., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Raising money to help with medical travel expenses for Clara Wachacha family to and from Durham., NC. Meal 1 BBQ chicken leg quarter, baked beans, cole slaw potato salad, roll, soda or water. Meal 2 Pulled pork BBA s’wich, baked beans, cole slaw, chips, pickle, soda or water. Addons: mac and cheese, sweet tea, lemonade, on-site baked goods. Orders taken till Wednesday May 13 to order text : (828) 736-0721, Jeff or (828) 735-5785, Shondi

Indian Taco Benefit. May 15 from 11 a.m. till sold out at the Pamela Dawn Taylor Gym, 10 Old Gap Rd, Cherokee. NC, 28719. For team EBCI fifth and sixth grade boys basketball to travel to Mesa, Arizona. Preorders: (828) 788-3308, Bree

Bingo Night Fundraiser. May 16 at 5 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. All funds will be used to help the EBCI 3^rd and 4^th grade team travel to Mesa, Ariz. for a basketball tournament. $20 adult packs, $10 kid packs. A small concession will be available.

Bingo Fundraiser. June 13 concession opens at 5 p.m. games start at 5:30 p.m. at the Pamela Dawn Taylor Gym, 10 Old Gap Rd, Cherokee. NC, 28719. All proceeds go to the fifth grade AAU boys basketball team. INFO: (828) 788-3308, Bree

NAIWA Strawberry Festival. May 15 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. Featuring strawberry pancakes and strawberry shortcake and hamburgers. Vendor space available at $10 per table. To reserve a table, call Hope Pheasant (828) 736-5453

Visitors Celebration Day. May 16 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Cherokee Welcome Center 498 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC.28719. Traditional dancing, music, arts & crafts, storytelling, stickball demonstrations, food trucks and more. INFO (828) 359-6490.

Small Business Startup. May 21. From 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Sequoyah Fund 8110 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. How to start a small business, write a business plan, define and find your customers, market your business and so much more. INFO: Russ Seagle, (828) 359-5001 or russseagle@sequoyahfund.org

40^th Anniversary of Fading Voices. May 23 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Little Snowbird 1897 Little Snowbird Rd., Robbinsville, NC. 28771. Mound Building at 11 a.m.(bring a cup or turtle shell full of dirt from home).  Celebrate Snowbird Cherokee heritage, language and community. There will be Cherokee food, music, dance, crafts and games. FREE admission.

Barter Market. May 23 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Towstring Community Building 105 Towstring Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Community event to exchange goods or services directly instead of using money. Great way to reduce waste, support neighbors and strengthen community connections. INFO: Faith Long-Presley (828) 788-2036 or faithlong3252@gmail.com

Blood Drive. June 2 from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Cherokee High School 200 Ravensford Dr., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Students must be 16 years old to donate. 16 and 17 year olds must have a signed consent form. Bring Donor card or photo ID, walk -ins are welcome. To make an appointment or for more information call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code “Cherokee”.

Kananesgi Art Market. June 20 from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort 777 Casino Dr., Cherokee, NC. 28719. INFO: www.kananesgi.com

Animal Clinic. June 26 and 27 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center, 1416 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Spays, neuters, vaccines, horse west nile vaccine. No appointments, first come first served. For residents of the Qualla Boundary. INFO: (828) 497-6091.

NAIWA Blueberry Festival. Aug. 15 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. Featuring blueberry pancakes. Vendor space available at $10 per table. To reserve a table, call Hope Pheasant (828) 736-5453

Cherokee Language Workshop with by Ogadudala Every Monday and Wednesday in May, 5pm-6pm, Museum of the Cherokee People Ken Blankenship Education Wing, TJ Holland Education Room 589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC. 28719, except May 4 (Art Studio) Dreyton Long, Madison Hye Long, Elvia Walkingstick, Jack Cooper, and Meshay Long lead a free language workshop at the Museum.

Big Cove to Boarding Schools: Educational Journeys of the Nick-Swayney-Bird Family May 7, from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Museum of the Cherokee People Ken Blankenship Education Wing, TJ Holland Education Room. 589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. David Armenti will share genealogical research about 11 ancestors from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian community, who attended either Hampton Institute’s “Indian School” (Virginia) or Carlisle Indian Industrial School (Pennsylvania). Free and open to the public. More information at motcp.org/events.

40^th Anniversary of Fading Voices. May 23 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Little Snowbird 1897 Little Snowbird Rd., Robbinsville, NC. 28771. Mound Building at 11 a.m.(bring a cup or turtle shell full of dirt from home).  Celebrate Snowbird Cherokee heritage, language and community. There will be Cherokee food, music, dance, crafts and games. FREE admission.

Statehood Day. May 31 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum at 576 HWY 360 Vonore, Tenn. 37885. Celebration of Tennessee Statehood Day. On June 1, 1796, Congress approved the admission of Tennessee as the sixteenth state of the Union. The 1809 Blacksmith shop will be open with demonstrations going on throughout the afternoon. Come out and share the afternoon with living history in the 1800’s Dog-trot Log cabin. Learn about Cherokees in the Civil War. The acorn printing press will be doing demonstrations throughout the day. All Statehood Day activities are free, and people can also enjoy free admission to the museum. Info: (423) 884-6246

Annual Kituwah Celebration. June 6 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Kituwah Mound 3831 Ela Rd., Bryson City, NC. 28713. Social dances, entertainment, stickball demonstrations, food, community gathering. Call (828) 359-6406 to be a vendor, artisan, farmer, crafter or demonstrator.

Sequoyah Remembrance Day. Aug. 3 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum at 576 HWY 360 Vonore, Tenn. 37885. Come by and learn about the amazing history of Sequoyah at the museum dedicated to the life and story of Sequoyah, creator of the Cherokee written language. Info: (423) 884-6246

35th Annual Cherokee Festival. Sept. 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum at 576 HWY 360 Vonore, Tenn. 37885. Cherokee Arts and crafts demonstrations, Cherokee storytelling, flute playing, Cherokee dances, name written in Cherokee, genealogy help, craft vendors and food vendors. Info: (423) 884-6246

NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc.) Cherokee Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. Eligibility for membership: any American Indian or Alaska Native or Canadian First Nations woman, 18 years of age or older, who is officially identified as a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe/Nation. The meetings contain information on purpose and further aims. All who meet the eligibility are invited to attend.

Qualla Boundary Historical Society. meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Yellowhill Community Building 918 Acquoni Rd. Cherokee, NC. 28719. Eeryone is welcome to attend the meetings, can join and be a member. The Society is organized to promote, preserve, and educate members of the
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), residents of the Qualla Boundary, and others so interested in Cherokee culture, history, arts and crafts, and genealogy/family histories. Follow on Facebook: Qualla Boundary Historical Society. 

(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)

Lands Committee. May 13 at 9 a.m.

Timber Committee. May 18 at 10:30 a.m.

Planning Board. May 18 at 1 p.m.

Health Board. May 20 at 8:30 a.m.

HIP Committee. May 20 at 1 p.m.

Qualla Housing Committee. May 21 at 8:30 a.m.

Parks & Recreation Committee. May 21 at 1 p.m.

Concerts and Shows

Earth, Wind, and Fire concert. May 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Earth, Wind & Fire Tickets May 16, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Jeff Dunham comedy show. May 22 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Jeff Dunham: Artificial Intelligence Tickets May 22, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Jodeci concert. May 29 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Jodeci Tickets May 29, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Matt Mathews concert on his “Boujee On A Budget Tour”. June 5 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Matt Mathews: Boujee On A Budget Tickets Jun 05, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest – Announcing pre-sale Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. 

• Finals live in the Event Center June 13 I Ages 21+ I Winner competes in world semifinals in Graceland this August
• Preliminary rounds held at Myst Bar June 12
• Elvis Tribute Artist will be greeting guests throughout property all weekend long
• Friday, June 12
  • 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Elvis cameos/meet & greets on property
  • 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Ultimate Elvis Contest Rounds 1 & 2 on Myst Bar stage
•  Saturday, June 13
  • 1 p.m.: Ultimate Elvis Contest Round 3 on Myst Bar Stage
  • 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Elvis cameos/meet & greets on property
  • 7:30 p.m.to 9 p.m.: Ultimate Elvis Contest Finals in Event Center
• Tickets available via Ticketmaster (page will go live Feb. 16) I presale code TMELVIS26 I On sale 10 a.m. Feb.

Morgan Jay on his “The Goofy Guy Tour”. June 19 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Morgan Jay: The Goofy Guy Tour Tickets Jun 19, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Grand Funk Railroad on its “Still Shinin’ On Tour”. Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Grand Funk Railroad: Still Shinin’ On Tour Tickets Aug 01, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Promotions and Other Events

• Round trip airfare for two
• Ground transportation to and from airport and hotel
• Hotel accommodations for two
• Two tickets to a Braves Spring Training game on March 14 in North Port, FL

Gathering of the People Pow Wow. May 15-16 at the BSA Center in Evans, Ga. MC: Michael Anderson. Head Singer: Marvin Pair. Info: Barry Rogers (706) 678-1017, otter@nu-z.net

Western Washington University Spring Pow Wow. May 15-16 at the Carver Gymnasium in Bellingham, Wash. MC: Mike Sanchez. Host Drum: Bad Soul. Info: Hayley Abella (360) 650-3827, nasuatwwu@gmail.com

All My Relations Pow Wow. May 16-17 at Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon Campus, in Mount Vernon, Wash. MC: Randy Vendiola. Host Drum: Double Runner. Info: AllMyRelations@skagit.edu

UNACC Chief Roland Jerome Memorial Pow Wow. May 16-17 in Devens, Mass. Host Drum: Sacred Earth. Guest Drum: Humble Spirit. Info: Shauna Manning at unacc29@gmail.com

Rising Sun Pow Wow. May 16 at Mount Trashmore Park in Virginia Beach, Va. MC: Keith Colston. Host Drum: War Paint. Guest Drum: Red Clay. Info: Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation at fun@vbgov.com

16^th Annual For the People Pow Wow. May 23-24 at the Northeast Event Center Activity Hall in Columbia, Mo. MC: William Branson. Host Southern Drum: Drowning Creek. Info: Greg Olson (573) 814-9135, ftpowwow@gmail.com

VIAN NASA Club Pow Wow. May 23 at the VIAN School Gym in Vian, Oka. MC: Creighton Moore. Head Singer: Sydney Toppah Jr. Info: Peggy Girty-Flute (918) 705-1478 or Buck Locust (918) 268-9996

2^nd Annual Lebanon Pow Wow. May 30 at Lebanon High School in Lebanon, Ore. MC: Carlos Calica. Host Drum: Bad Soul. Honor Drum: Turquoise Pride. Invited Drums: Four Directions, North Hill. Info: Laurie Regalado at naep.lebanonparents@gmail.com

Dix Park Intertribal Pow Wow. May 30 at Dix Park in Raleigh, N.C. Emcees: Sandon Jacobs, JD Moore. Invited Drums: Hunting Spirit, Pine Lodge, Southern Eagle. Info: www.dixpark.org/powwow

Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com

Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410

Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788

Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C.  For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.

MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi

Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Info: North Carolina NA Helpline (855) 227-6272, or www.NA.org

High Elevation Birds & Blooms. May 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Thomas Divide Trailhead in Bryson City, N.C. Starting at an elevation of 4,650 feet, stroll through a northern hardwoods forest and observe the birds and blooms that call the high peaks home. This is a Smokies Life Branch Out event. Cost: For Park Keepers, $45; to join and attend, $85 (Park Keeper basic membership $40+ event registration $45). Info: https://SmokiesLife.org/branch-out-events, or email: membership@smokieslife.org

Animal Health Clinic. May 15 and 16 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Grace Community Church, 340 HWY 441N, Whittier, NC. 28789. Dogs and cats, spays and neuters, vaccines. Horses West Nile vaccine, horse float.  INFO: Dr. Page Wages (919) 906-1280.

“Connecting to Place: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Invitational” art exhibition. May 16 – July 25 at The Bascom: A Center for Visual Arts at 323 Franklin Rd. in Highlands, N.C. 20 craft artists from communities across western North Carolina will be participating including EBCI Beloved Man Davy Arch. The exhibit is free and open to the public, and a reception will be held on June 11 at 5 p.m. Info: (828) 526-4949, www.thebascom.org

Rev It Up for the Vets. May 16 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Countryside Chevrolet 71 Cat Creek Rd., Franklin, NC. 28734. Cruise-In and Benefit for Local Veterans. Music, food, family fun. Trophies for Top 3 vehicles. INFO: (828) 524-0734

Cold Mountain Music Festival. May 29 and 30 gates open at 10 a.m.at Lake Logan 25 Wormy Chesnut Ln., Canton, NC. 28716. Cold Mountain Music Festival features top-notch musical talent, amazing local food & drink vendors, family-friendly activities, and more – all in one of the most pristine settings imaginable! The centerpiece of our nearly 300-acre campus is mile-long Lake Logan surrounded by the Shining Rock Wilderness and Pisgah National Forest. INFO: coldmountainmusic.org

Living History. May 30 and 31 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days. At Sam Houston School House 3650 Old Sam Houston School Rd., Maryville, TN. 37804. Vendors, food truck, kettle corn, re-enactors and so much more! INFO: (865) 983-1550.

Intro to Night Sky Photography Webinar. June 2 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Learn the fundamentals of astrophotography, including gear essentials, composition and camera settings, and ways to help reduce light pollution in your area. This is a Smokies Life Branch Out event. Cost: For Park Keepers, $45; to join and attend, $85 (Park Keeper basic membership $40+ event registration $45). Info: https://SmokiesLife.org/branch-out-events, or email: membership@smokieslife.org

Community Picnic hosted by Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals. June 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Bridge Park at 76 Railroad Ave. in Sylva, N.C.  Designed as a fun, family-friendly event, the picnic will feature free food, live music from Summer Brooke, community connection, and opportunities to meet local healthcare providers from Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals. Guests of all ages are encouraged to attend and enjoy an afternoon focused on fellowship, wellness, and strengthening community relationships. This event is free and open to the public. Info: Lilly Ferguson (828) 508-0109 or Lillian.ferguson@lifepointhealth.net

Great Tellico History Day. June 20 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Charles Hall Museum & Heritage Center, 229 Cherohala Skyway, Tellico Plains, TN. 37385. Cherokee Culture, Early History, Traditional Skills & Music., Free admission and parking. Handmade crafts for sale by Cherokee and Early Settler Demonstrators. Food trucks onsite INFO: charleshallmuseum@hotmail.com

Smoky Mountain Summer Fest 2026. July 25 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the Sevierville Fairgrounds, 754 Old Knoxville Hwy. Sevierville, TN. 37862. Classic car shows, food trucks, live music, vendors. Free public admission. INFO: (865) 388-0099

2026 Trade Fair. Aug. 21 – 22 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum, 522 W Madison Ave., Athens., TN. 37303. Crafts, music, history, food, textiles, quilting and more. INFO: (423) 745-0329.

Join our Local Advisory Council. Help shape the future of mentorship on the Qualla Boundary. Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Western North Carolina. Seeking community leaders, parents, retirees, business owners and residents to join the local advisory council. Contact Brandon Fouts email brandonF@bbswnc.org  or call (828) 347-6097.